CARRIED AWAY

Wednesday

At the family dinner table, we were licking our chops and looking for scraps after devouring a delicious meal from Verdi.

The Italian restaurant flanks the southern corner of the Olentangy Valley Center, just seconds north of I-270 on the Far North Side.

Though not a huge shellfish fan, I was immediately drawn to the lobster ravioli ($12.99) out of curiosity. The fresh triangular dumplings were succulent, filled with creamy tasting lobster meat, mascarpone cheese, shallots, garlic and bread crumbs. I opted for the red sauce -- alfredo and piccata sauce are also available -- and was dazzled by its sweetness, which accentuated the sweetness of the lobster. The prosciutto portobello ravioli ($9.95), another filled pasta offering, also sounded divine.

The calzone ($8.95) was the best I've ever had. It contains no sauce, but a ramekin of sauce is included. The calzone doesn't need it, though; in fact, sauce takes away from the delicate, freshly baked flavor of the doughy bread and melted cheese. Ours was packed with pepperoni, ham, sausage and green peppers, but other combinations are available, such as spinach with mascarpone and ricotta ($8.50).

The only flaw in our carryout order was with the chicken piccata ($10.95): The hot chicken breasts continued cooking the angel-hair pasta in the dish on the drive home, making it a bit mushy. The sauce was so deliciously garlicky, though, that we used the garlic bread that came with it to mop up the remnants after we ate the entree.

Other main courses include veal Marsala ($10.95) and pan-roasted mussels ($10.50). Pizzas and subs round out the menu.

Desserts include tiramisu ($3.99) and cannoli ($2.75). This restaurant also showcases a beautiful offering of Italian wines, all of which can be carried out by the bottle for $12.99.

-- Jackie Birtcher For The Dispatch

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.